North Korea Tests Two Cruise Missiles Designed for Submarine Launch
North Korea test-fired two types of cruise missiles on Wednesday. North Korean state media reported the tests on Thursday.
The missiles were designed to be launched from submarines. Its report said the tests checked underwater combat readiness.
The tests also checked nuclear deterrence. North Korea also said the launches posed no threat to neighboring countries.
The test followed other missile tests on September 20 and October 3. Other activity included live-fire drills and a new warship entering service.
North Korea had increased weapons launches in recent weeks. This came amid a long diplomatic freeze with Washington and Seoul.
A landmine exploded in the Demilitarized Zone on September 21. The blast injured three South Korean soldiers.
France 24 reported that tensions with South Korea had grown. The missile tests followed those tensions.
Key Terms 4
- cruise missile A missile that flies low and far toward its target.
- diplomatic freeze A long stop in talks between countries.
- nuclear deterrence Showing strength to stop enemies from attacking with nuclear weapons.
- Demilitarized Zone A strip of land that separates North and South Korea.